Overview
Peru and LaSalle are adjacent towns in Northern Illinois.
4 sights
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about LaSalle-Peru
I&M Canal Boat
A portion of the Illinois and Michigan Canal that was built to connect the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. Here you can ride on the Volunteer barge pulled by a mule to relive what it was like.
Hegeler Carus Mansion
lavish mansion built for the Hegeler family in 1874, then inhabited by Paul Carus, said to have the oldest private gym in America.
Wild Bill Hickok State Memorial
marks the site of where the Civil War and western frontier scout was born.
Matthiessen State Park
sandstone weathered canyons, prairie forest, nature study.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 18°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Peoria)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PIA General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, Peoria — 55 mi away. Directions
- RFD Chicago Rockford International Airport, Chicago/Rockford — 60 mi away. Directions
- ORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago — 77 mi away (major hub). Directions
Interstate 39, Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 6
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning I&M Canal Boat, Hegeler Carus Mansion
- Afternoon Wild Bill Hickok State Memorial, Matthiessen State Park
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Understand
Peru is the more prominent of the two cities with a stronger economy, more modern businesses and the Peru Mall. LaSalle (often called La Salle) has lots of historic sites such as a replica canal boat, the Hegeler-Carus Mansion and the Hotel Kaskaskia. The towns have a combined population of 19,896 and a combined area of more than 20 square miles.
Get in
Interstate 39, Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 6
See
- Don't forget the highlight of the area, Starved Rock State Park along Hwy 71 on the south side of the Illinois River, where Europeans and Indians crossed long ago on an ancient geologic bluff (see Northern Illinois page for map pin).
Go next
Chicago- 80 East to 55 North. About 1½-3 hours away. Make sure to allow lots of time during peak hours!
Bloomington- 39 South. About 1½-2 hours away.
Nearby
Utica
City / town · 3 listings · 6 mi away
Cherry
City / town · 4 listings · 8 mi away
Ottawa
City / town · 10 listings · 15 mi away
Bradford
City / town · 4 listings · 30 mi away
Dixon
City / town · 4 listings · 40 mi away
Dwight
City / town · 4 listings · 40 mi away
Pontiac
City / town · 12 listings · 41 mi away
Rochelle
City / town · 6 listings · 41 mi away
My experience
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